When Spirits Call -- 10/31 Reading in Jim Thorpe

Maybe it's the falling leaves or the first hint of chimney smoke, but late October in the Poconos is always lovely and mysterious. Each year, during the Days of the Dead, we hold a reading in Jim Thorpe to recognize the ethereal presence and absence of those who've passed on. Join us next Sunday, 10/31/10, 2 PM, at the Strange Brew Coffee House for "When Spirits Call", a mix of poetry, song, fact, and fiction. If you bring along some object or photo, we'll add it to our community ofrenda.

Anyone who would like to read or perform, should contact Pennyl Pointe at this site or by phone -- (570) 722-1680 -- to be added to the readers list for the afternoon. Past events have been solemn, profane, beautiful and funny. Don't miss this one.

Howling Wind + Halloween + Mystery!

Howling wind + Halloween = mystery! Choosing the right point of view can amplify the power of any crime yarn. P.D. James, author of 20 books, likes to write as "a detached recorder" which allows her to move into the minds of various characters, "seeing with their eyes." This shifting viewpoint shows "how differently we can all perceive the same event." She's 90 years old now. No murderer could fool her.

One of her works served as the basis for the film "Children of Men". Although it is more of a science fiction story than a mystery, it explores the dark side of social engineering and the plight of those who've been tossed from earth's life boat. If you've only seen the film, it's worth the effort to read the story and compare both versions. Her use of the shifting perspective allows both doom sayers and optimists to come away from the story feeling satisfied.